You're welcome. Well we can try 35-36 total which is what most small blocks like and do a dyno test and observe a 2-3 tq/hp loss. Then we dial back the timing to 29-30 total and observe the same trend. Then we dial exactly 32 back in and perform the same test and observe power come back like clockwork. Good question though because there is more to it than that . It is subjective though, I found the engine started better @ 32 and sounded better and idled better and was more responsive slightly jazzing the throttle etc.... Also when you roll in on the throttle at the start of the test and watch the TQ and whether it falls or climbs or stays rock steady tells you a lot as well. But that is hard to explain. J.Rob